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Inspired by Science: ETHS AP Studio Artworks 2016

Dec 7, 2016

These works were created by students in AP Studio Art at Evanston Township High School. Each student selected one of the winners of the 2016 Scientific Images Contest on which to base their work. With only the visual (no scientific background information was provided), each student created an original work inspired by the form, function, shapes and colors of their chosen research image.

The scientific images and these artworks comprised a joint exhibition shown at both the high school's Auditorium Gallery and Evanston Public Library in fall/winter 2016. Many of the artists and scientists met to discuss their work and inspiration at the opening event on November 7th.

Delicate white strands, which represent the flow of blood through the heart, make up two interacting figures. One figure kicks a leg up into the air, and the other dives over it. At the ends of their limbs, the color of the forms darkens to a brown, and the strands droop and dissipate.

I picked [Chris' image] because of the geometric shapes present and I also found that it instantly gave me an idea for what to make. What's most interesting about it for me is the color change and how it resembles controlled flames. After discussing the picture with the scientist who took the photo, I really enjoyed learning what the photo actually showed because my interpretation was so much different than the reality. It helped me to realize how different an understanding of something can be when put into different contexts.

When I first looked at the photograph I saw the blur of car lights when they are driving. I wanted to show movement and was inspired by an artist who did a similar project. I traced over a map of Evanston my route over the course of a weekend. Each blue square is where I stopped for more than 5 minutes. In the background I collaged the photograph, watercolors and the map of Evanston. I wanted to incorporate movement into my piece because the photograph captured it.

I collaged multiple maps, seeing as the lines within the original piece reminded me of the varying lines and geographical elements and colors of paper maps. I then went over the map with a tracing of the original piece in black pen and extended the lines even further.

This abstract ceramic sculpture displays an unbalanced creature. I chose the image because it reminded me most of a monster or living creature and that's what direction I wanted to go in. I think the most interesting part about the image I chose was how much detail there is to it. The more you look at it the more that's revealed.

My piece was very shiny because when i saw how the image was coming out and it reminded me of a previous piece and I liked how the texture was and the shiny color just complimented it. The inside was more rough of a texture so I went with a matte under glaze so that the texture would stand out more.

While looking at [Mike Whittaker's original image] I saw a butthole and thought it was pretty cool that it was drawing your eye from the dark background and it draws you to this explosive light and it was just a pretty cool thing to look at.

Buttholes. Everyone has one, but we don't pay much attention to them. It's always good to check yourself and get tested for any STDs. I thought of this as an educational purpose.It's art, mom.

A burst of light, a dying star, a festival of lanterns or fireworks. This piece reminds me of so many vibrant events, But when I first saw the scientific image I thought of a star going supernova, so that became my piece's title. It also uses time to show change from when the "star" first dies to when the remains start to stabilize.